This 16-day New Zealand vacation takes you to wineries across the nation, from Auckland on the North Island to Queenstown on the South Island, as well as landmarks such as Hobbiton, the Marlborough Sounds, and Doubtful Sound. It features first-class accommodations and shared tours.
Your journey begins in Auckland, the nation’s largest city and a city blessed with easy access to gulfs and rainforests. Take advantage of the city’s location to visit Waiheke Island, where you’ll head on a winery tour to taste local vintages and learn about the winemaking process. Connect south to the charming English-style country town of Cambridge before visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set to explore the remaining sets of The Lord of the Rings movies, including Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn. Reach the famous tourist town of Rotorua, known for its Maori culture and geothermal activity. A day at a Polynesian Spa will blend the cultural and natural history of the area. Recharge in thermal mud pools and experience the rejuvenating influence of a Polynesian mud wrap.
Continue to the coastal city of Napier, where you’ll connect to famous Hawke’s Bay, an acclaimed wine and food region. Head on a gourmet odyssey through the region to visit wineries, travel the winemaking route, and feast on local dishes. Reach the capital Wellington, on the southern edge of the North Island. Ride the ferry across Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island and connect to Blenheim. Discover the celebrated wine region of Marlborough, known for perhaps the best vintages of Sauvignon Blanc in the world. Then cruise the Marlborough Sounds and learn about the local seafood industry while you sip Sauvignon Blanc and try fresh seafood for yourself.
Reach Christchurch and tour the city to learn about the reconstruction efforts that are still ongoing after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. You’ll also see the celebrated Botanic Gardens before heading outside the city to visit nearby wineries and enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside from the Port Hills. Connect to Queenstown, the nation’s adventure capital, driving by Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook along the way. You’ll have the option to board a scenic alpine helicopter flight above the tallest mountain in New Zealand if you wish.
Based in Queenstown, you’ll tour four boutique wineries in the region of Central Otago and visit Old Cromwell. Then explore the fjords of the Southern Alps. Journey across Lake Wakatipu, cruise Lake Manpouri, and pass through dense rainforest en route to Deep Cove, where you’ll board the Patea Explorer for a cruise along Doubtful Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins in the water and penguins along the shoreline, as well as the bountiful mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests surrounding the waterway. Connect back to Queenstown for another day at leisure.
At the end of your stay, head to the airport for onward travels.
15 nights from $4,423 per person
Featured Destinations
Blenheim
This is a provincial town with a difference. A city center long ago claimed from a wayward river has resulted in a street layout with spirit and character abounding with quirky lanes and sunny gathering places. On the clear, spring-fed Taylor River sightseeing riverboats retrace the route of steamboats that once carried produce. A miniature railway runs alongside the river to Brayshaw Park. Central focus of Blenheim is The Forum, with its historic bandstand watching over the shops and street markets below. The Forum also provides an occasional amphitheatre for the performing arts. The modern shops and cafés that surround The Forum are a sample of a town deserving of praise it receives from visitors. Blenheim is blessed with many attractive parks, such as Seymour Square and Pollard Park. On the outskirts of town, Brayshow Historic Park preserves the province's pioneering endeavour. Relocated colonial buildings in a recreated turn-of-the-century street keep company with a modern building housing archives and a vintage farm machinery museum.
Napier
The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of new Zealand's North Island, are quite unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colourful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see.
In 1931 a two and a half minute earthquake destroyed the city of Napier. Rebuilding began almost immediately in the architectural style of the time - Art Deco. Napier is now classed as the newest city in the world, offering a marvellous, world-renown, collection of Art Deco buildings. Among the attractions in the area are the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers, the Hawke's Bay Aquarium, the Spanish Mission and Art Deco architecture, gardens and bush walks.
Christchurch
Christchurch was founded in 1850 by members of the Church of England, who wanted a little bit of heaven on earth. They succeeded, and today the city takes great pride in its spacious layout and distinctive English-style buildings in elegant grey stone. The River Avon winds through Christchurch, along parks and gardens that cover one-third of the city.
Queenstown
Queenstown hosts an outstanding collection of adrenaline inducing activities and spectacular scenery. From jumping from tall bridges or quiet fishing, this is New Zealand's number one adventure destination. Lake and river join towering mountain ranges to make Queenstown as popular in the winter as it is in the summer.
At the heart of the action are cafes, the entire spectrum of accommodation, boutique shopping, restaurants and the visitor services expected in a small town with a big reputation.
Wellington
Located at southwestern North Island, New Zealand’s capital city derives its character and charm from the wooded hills that curve like a green amphitheater around Wellington’s harbor. Commercial and government buildings rim the waterfront; nostalgic Victorian buildings mingle pleasantly with more modern structures and above the business district, dwellings precariously cling to steep slopes.
Wellington was the first settlement organized by the London-based New Zealand Company. Other sights include Kelburn Cable Car, Museum of Wellington, City and Sea, and National Museum and Art Gallery (Te Papa).
Auckland
Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world, with the cosmopolitan city centre complemented by great escapes within half an hour of downtown. Indulge in Auckland's shopping, nightlife and unrivalled cuisine and experience some of the many attractions and adventure activities on offer. There is never a shortage of things to do in the City of Sails. Sights to see include Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Zoo, and Museum of Transport and Technology.
Rotorua
New Zealand's premier destination on the edge of beautiful Lake Rotorua offers visitors so much to see and do the trouble is deciding what to do. From a quiet stroll through the magnificent Redwood Forest to an adrenaline rafting plunge over one of the world's highest commercially rafted waterfalls or an entertaining view of life on the farm at one of our award winning farmshows - Rotorua has it all. Famous for awesome geological forces, Rotorua has hundreds of gentle plopping mud pools, powerful erupting geysers, and intriguing geothermal lakes. Maori Culture is another unique facet to Rotorua's popularity. For more action try hiking down Mt Ngongatah, fishing for trophy-sized trout on one of Rotorua's many lakes, tandem skydiving, horse trekking, or off-road driving. Or just sit back, watch the world go by and enjoy the fresh, clean, picturesque atmosphere from one of many sidewalk cafes and bars. To end the day, soak away ailments in one of many thermally heated natural mineral spas.
Vacation Details
Valid Date Ranges
02/05/2025 -
12/31/2025
from
$4,423 per person
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $4,423 per person
Air City
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Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Special savings cannot be combined with any other offer. Airfare available for better packaging and pricing. Ask your travel advisor for details. All prices are per person and quoted in U.S. dollars. Single supplement applies. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Accommodations, inclusions and itinerary subject to change depending upon specific departure date. From pricing is based on lowest marketed price for this tour, rates vary by date of departure; please inquire for details for your preferred travel dates. Inquire for a list of exclusions. Departures: Daily
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
OFFER ID
1619031
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Regal Travel
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Honolulu, HI 96814
USA
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